Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts
If you’re looking for a cheerful and eye-catching holiday dessert, these Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are a perfect choice. Soft, buttery sugar cookies paired with colorful royal icing decorations create a treat that’s both delicious and fun to make. Not only do they look festive on your holiday table, but they’re also a wonderful baking project to share with kids, family, or friends.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream or buttermilk (to keep cookies soft and tender)
For the Royal Icing:
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp meringue powder (or 2 fresh egg whites)
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
Gel food coloring: red, black, and white
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined.
5. Add sour cream (or buttermilk) and mix until dough forms.
6. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better).
2. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
3. Roll and Cut
Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
Cut into Santa suit shapes using a themed cutter, or improvise with a square/rounded cutter.
Arrange cookies on the baking sheet with space between them.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before decorating.
5. Make the Royal Icing
1. In a stand mixer or bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
2. Add water gradually while mixing until icing forms. Increase speed and whip until stiff peaks develop (5–7 minutes).
3. Divide icing into bowls and color them: red for the suit, black for the belt, white for the trim.
6. Decorate the Santa Suit Cookies
Red Base: Outline and flood each cookie with red icing. Let it dry about 20 minutes.
White Trim: Use white icing to create the fluffy fur lining of Santa’s coat.
Black Belt: Add a belt line across the bottom with black icing.
Belt Buckle: Pipe a square in the middle of the belt. For extra detail, outline the buckle with yellow icing.
Allow decorated cookies to dry for several hours or overnight until the icing is firm.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the icing has fully set, your festive cookies are ready to serve! These adorable Santa suits are perfect for Christmas parties, dessert platters, or holiday gift boxes.
Tips for Best Results
Icing Consistency: Too thick? Add a drop of water. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar.
Tools: Piping bags with fine tips or squeeze bottles help create neat outlines and details.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in layers for up to 3 months.
✨ Final Thoughts
These Christmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are more than just cookies—they’re a festive holiday activity. Whether you enjoy them with family, gift them to loved ones, or display them on your holiday dessert table, they’re sure to spread joy. Their buttery flavor, soft texture, and playful design make them a seasonal favorite for kids and adults alike.
❤️ Bake, decorate, and enjoy the sweet magic of Christmas!
